It was the murder which put the market town of St Ives at a chilling standstill.

Matthew Sharpe, of Humberley Close in Eynesbury, has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years after repeatedly stabbing his former long-term partner Charna Knights and murdering Andrew Hasler in a jealous rage.

The incident saw immediate reaction from the town and the rest of Cambridgeshire.

Here we take a look back at the events which transpired on the day:

Social media furore

From what was understood, from around 1pm, Harrison Way in St Ives was suddenly closed from both directions.

Emergency services, including two air ambulances, travelled into the town in Green Leys, while police also attended and re-routed incoming traffic.

Residents were alarmed by the blockade, as they posted their questions and concerns on Facebook and Twitter.

It was then that rumours emerged that there had been a murder and a body had been found.

Jones Boatyard

Eye-witnesses then claimed to have seen a man being arrested after trying to run from police.

It was alleged that the man jumped into the river by Jones' Boatyard to escape.

Tony Liddicoat told the News: "I was working on my boat in Jones’ Boatyard, heard a police car coming along, and saw three policemen come out the car and headed towards St Ives, running back down the road towards Jones’.

"I saw two policemen in the field just underneath the bridge with their arms raised – I assume they were holding firearms – in the classic position and shouts of ‘don’t move’ or ‘stay where you are’ to that effect.

"A few minutes later I saw them walking back with a man being frog-marched in between them."

Crime commissioner assuage

As social media speculation became rampant and police refused to comment on the incident, the crime commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Jason Ablewhite, made a Facebook post on his profile to calm residents.

He said: "There is much speculation as to an incident that has occurred in St Ives today in the Green Leys area.

"I have been fully briefed by the Chief Constable and can confirm that the Police have full control and that there is no risk to the public."

Statement from police

Police released a statement five hours after the incident, clarifying their dealings in St Ives.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit are currently dealing with the sudden death of a man in Houghton Road, St Ives.

"We were called at about 12.40pm this afternoon (Sunday) with reports of violence. On arrival a woman was also found to be injured at the address and is currently receiving medical treatment.

"She is believed to be in a stable condition. The death is being treated as suspicious and a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

"Scenes have been put in place in Houghton Road and Harrison Way and the roads have been closed.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the major crime unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Dramatic photos released of 'suspect'

Shortly after the police released a statement, the News released images of the arrest which took place.

The pictures show a naked man being detained by several police officers.

A man being arrested in St Ives (Picture courtesy of www.elitephotostudio.co.uk)

Police release new statement, confirming arrest

An hour later, the police confirm that a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, after the "sudden death" of a man in St Ives.

Police said they were called to the incident at around 12.40pm on Sunday, January 8 at 12.40pm, to reports of violence at an address in Houghton Road.

A spokeswoman also confirmed that a woman was found to be injured at the address and was receiving medical treatment, but was in stable condition.

Sharpe charged with murder and attempted murder

Sharpe was transferred to Parkside Police Station in Cambridge January 10 after spending time in hospital.

On January 11 he was charged with the murder of Andrew Hasler and the attempted murder of Charna Knights.

Family mourns the loss of 'kind hearted' young man

In a statement released by police, Andrew's family said: “Andrew was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.

“Kind-hearted and living his life to the full, he came into the world early and has left us far too soon. We miss you Andrew.

“The family is grateful for kind words from the many whose lives were touched by Andrew.”

Sharpe admits murder

Matthew Sharpe, of Humberley Close, Eynesbury in St Neots, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, March 10 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Via video link to Bedford Prison Sharpe, wearing a dark t shirt and glasses, pleaded guilty to the murder of Mr Hasler and the attempted murder of Charna Knights.

Sharpe Jailed for 25 years

Sharpe, 40, faced sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court on April 7. Branded a "controlling and possessive" murderer who launched a brutal attack on his ex-fiancée and her new boyfriend with a knife, he was given a minimum of 25 years in jail.

"Ms Knights let Sharpe in, and after she confirmed she was in a new relationship, he said ‘I’m sorry’ before getting her into a headlock and plunging a knife into her chest – which missed penetrating her heart by just 3mm.

"In his last action Mr Hasler bravely tried to protect Ms Knights, but he was stabbed 17 times and died after a fatal stab wound to the heart, approximately 6 to 8cm deep."

Neighbour praised for bravery after chaos erupted following stabbings

Speaking after the sentencing on April 7, Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Charna suffered multiple stab wounds and thankfully made a recovery, however medics were unable to save Andrew.

“Although suffering multiple stab wounds, a post-mortem examination of Andrew concluded he died of a single stab wound to his heart.

“I would like to pay tribute to the selfless bravery of Andrew’s next-door neighbour who put his own life at risk in order to help Charna, his actions that day ultimately saved her life.”

Sentencing Sharpe, Judge David Farrell said Sharpe’s jealousy and possessiveness drove him to do what he did.

He commended brave neighbour Andrew Phelps with a High Sheriff’s Award and £1,000, saying his “courageous act of bravery was not often seen in this day and age”.